Application Process

Plumbers Apprentice Application Process

The first step in the Application Process is for the applicant to complete and submit an application to the JAC office the along with the required documentation and fees. An aptitude test is then scheduled for a later date. This part of the process is explained in greater detail below in the Basic Application Process section.

After all aptitude tests are scored, a Ranking List is prepared. Each applicant will receive a letter of his/her position on the Ranking List. The position of the applicant on the Ranking List determines the order in which offers of admission are made for the Apprentice Program.

The position on the ranking list is determined by the sum of:

• Aptitude test score points
• Personal Experience points
• Letter of Intent to hire points (only one letter will be accepted)
• Letter of recommendation points (only one letter will be accepted)

In order of their rank, qualifying applicants from the Ranking List are made an “Offer of Apprenticeship”. The total number of offers is based on the demands of the industry. This part of the process is described in the “Offer of Apprenticeship” section.

Basic Application Process

1. Location

Applications are not mailed or downloadable. All applicants must fill out an application in person at the JAC Office.

The address is:

Plumber’s JAC Local Union 130 UA
1400 West Washington Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60607

2. Application Dates and hours Tentative

Applications are to be accepted every Thursday, starting November 6th, 2008 to January 29, 2009 from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. and from 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m.. (Offices CLOSED Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day).

Extended hours will be available on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings in November and December from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Extended hours for the month of January will be on the 2nd and 4th Thursday.

Please see the Event Calendar for the 2008/2009 application dates.

3. Fees

A Non refundable Registration Fee of $25.00 – money orders or cashiers checks only, no personal checks, no cash, no credit cards – must be paid at the time of registration. The money order or cashier’s check should be made payable to PLUMBERS’ JAC. There is an optional Test Taking Tips Book available for $10.00.

4. Valid Social Security Number

Applicants MUST provide a valid Social Security Number.

5. Required Documents

Applicants MUST prove that they are 18+ Years of Age or a 17 year old High School Senior with a valid Student I.D. They MUST also prove that they completed high school or have an equivalent educational certification (GED). These are the required documents that MUST be presented at the time of application.

Required Legal Proof of Age Documents:

1. Two forms of I.D. including one photo I.D.
2. Photo Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport.

Any other documents will NOT be accepted.

Required Educational Documents proving high school graduation or equivalent:

Acceptable Documents:

1. College Degree
2. High School Diploma
3. G.E.D. Certificate.
4. A Water sealed letter from a College or College Transcripts
5. A Water sealed letter from a High School with graduation date
6. A Water sealed High School transcript with the graduation date

Unacceptable Documents:

1. High School Transcripts: Photocopied or stamped unofficial
2. G.E.D. Transcripts: Photocopied or stamped unofficial

Any other documents will NOT be accepted.

6. Aptitude Tests

Each applicant is required to take an Aptitude Test.

• The test is approximately 4 hours long.
• This test will NOT be given at the time of application, but will be scheduled for a later date.
• This test date will be scheduled when you apply.
• This assigned test date cannot be rescheduled.

At the time of the test, an apprentice applicant will fill out a Personal Experience Form (PEF). The information provided in the PEF will be scored and combined with the applicant’s aptitude test score. A Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training Certificate of Completion question is on the PEF form. If marked yes, please supply this certificate as it contributes points towards the applicant’s final Ranking List score.

7. Letters of Recommendation and Intent

Applicants may also submit a Letter of Recommendation and/or a Letter of Intent to Hire. These letters will reviewed, scored and combined with the aptitude test and the PEF scores to create the final Ranking List score. Note: points will only be given for a single letter of each type. Multiple letters of one type will NOT be given additional points. A description of each type of letter is contained in the Common Questions section of this site.

8. Ranking List Letter

Each applicant will receive a Position Letter by mail notifying the applicant of his/her position on the Ranking List and what to do next.

• Tentatively, Position Letters are mailed by mid to late May.
• We ask that applicants refrain from calling the JAC as privileged and confidential information about applications cannot be discussed over the phone.

Important Notice: The J.A.C. Reserves The Right To Change The Requirements Of Apprenticeship Or Journeyman Training At Any Time. Check With The Apprentice Office For Any Changes.